“Transcending Physicality: The Essence of Place” at the SFAC gallery is a must-see for climate advocates

Written by Dave Rhody, SF Policy Co-Chair

Featuring the piece Land of Opportunity, and running through Dec. 16th, 2023, the current display at the SFAC gallery is a must-see for climate advocates.

When I received the SFAC press release announcing Transcending Physicality: The Essence of Place, I was immediately taken by the image featured in the release:

Connie Zheng’s Land of Opportunity

In the words of Oakland artist Yunxin (Connie) Zheng, “Land of Opportunity is a map that documents forty-three of the most well-documented toxic sites in the Bay Area, alongside local environmental justice protests and both federal and community-based remediation efforts.”

After enquiring about the piece, Connie Zheng sent me a link to the renowned David Rumsey map collection website – which allows you to zoom in on the details of her map (link).

Examining the piece more closely, Connie’s description made even more sense: “The tar-like blobs dripping down the paper are places notable for the amount of toxic material that has leaked into the soil and groundwater primarily as a result of high-tech industry, military activities, mercury mining during the gold rush era, and nuclear testing in the South Pacific during World War II.”

‘Clearly,’ I thought, ‘Connie’s Land of Opportunity will resonate with Climate Reality Bay Area members. Certainly colleagues like Alma Soongi Beck,  Margo Meiman and many others who’ve put so much time and energy into the San Francisco Bay Shoreline Contamination Cleanup Coalition (https://sfbayshorelineccc.org) will want to see this. But all CRBA members need to see it, need to witness this bold statement about why we advocate for climate action. 

Connie Zheng’s work is joined by many numerous other installations, including works that just stop and make you think about the impact of seemingly simple things like concrete. This is a piece done by Alex Arzt, a chunk of concrete the military left behind in the Marin Headlands.

Alex Arzt’s Suiseki

Connie Zheng and Alex Arzt are just two of dozen other Bay Area artists, whose work delivers bold statements about the place we call home.

In the words of SFAC Gallery Director Carolina Aranibar-Fernandez, “Transcending Physicality: The Essence of Place is an exhibition that encourages us all to rethink our understanding of place.” 

For me, taking an honest look at where we live through the lens of art makes me ask how future generations will see it. Will we make a positive or negative impact on the place we call home?

While I had hoped to invite all of you for a CRBA gathering at the SFAC Gallery, the Gallery is currently too short-staffed to handle our group. But, please, put it on your holiday schedule.

For more details about the Transcending Physicality exhibit, along with the hours and location of the SFAC (SF Arts Commission) Gallery at the Veterans War Memorial, 401 Van Ness Ave., SF - go to: https://www.sfartscommission.org/experience-art/exhibitions/transcending-physicality-essence-place

Connie Zheng’s website: https://www.conniezheng.com